Surgical navigation in oral and maxillofacial surgery – a systematic review of the literature for five useful indications

Publication date: Available online 18 January 2017
Source:Journal of Oral and Maxillofacial Surgery
Author(s): Iman Azarmehr, Kasper Stokbro, R Bryan Bell, Torben Thygesen
PurposeThis systematic review investigates the most common indications, treatments and outcomes of surgical navigation (SN) published from 2010 to 2015. The evolution of SN and its application in oral and maxillofacial surgery have rapidly developed over recent years and therapeutic indications are discussed.Methods and materialsA systematic search in relevant electronic databases, journals and bibliographies of the included articles was carried out. Clinical studies with more than five patients or more published between 2010 and 2015 were included. Traumatology, orthognathic surgery, cancer and reconstruction surgery, skull base surgery and foreign body removal were the areas of interests.ResultsThe search generated 13 articles; five, six, two and zero studies, respectively, were found that dealt with the previously mentioned five topics. The average technical system accuracy and intra-operative precision reported were <1 mm and 1–2 mm, respectively. In general, SN is reported to be a useful tool for surgical planning, execution, evaluation and research. The largest number of studies and patients was identified in the field of traumatology. Treatment of complex orbital fractures was significantly improved by the use of SN compared to traditionally treated control groups.ConclusionSN seems to be very promising addition to the surgical toolkit. Planning details of the surgery in a 3D virtual environment and execution with real-time guidance can significantly improve precision. Among factors to be considered are the financial investments necessary and the learning curve.



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